Rigid Patents (Class 296/107.17)
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Patent number: 12030372Abstract: A method for opening and closing a retractable roof of a convertible vehicle, wherein the roof includes a first portion and a second portion, connected together. The method includes: moving the first portion relative to the second portion between a first position and a second position, such that, at the first position, the first portion is at least partly superposed on the second portion and, at the second position, the first portion lies in substantially the same plane as the second portion, rotating the first and second portions about an axis of rotation, and translating the superposed first and second portions between a first position and a second position, such that, at the first position, the first and second portions are inside a compartment in the vehicle and, at the second position, the first and second portions are outside the compartment.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2020Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: AUTOMOBILI LAMBORGHINI S.P.A.Inventors: Rudolf Horch, Elena Mandosso
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Patent number: 11787274Abstract: A top compartment lid assembly of a convertible vehicle includes a lid element, a linkage assembly configured to displace the lid element between an open position and a closed position and comprising a lid link assembly on either side of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the lid, each lid link assembly being mounted in a pivoting manner on a main bearing attached to a vehicle body, and a locking assembly on either side of the longitudinal center plane of the lid, each locking assembly being configured to be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position by a locking link assembly. An electric motor is mounted on each of the bilaterally disposed main bearings, each electric motor driving both the respective lid link assembly and the respective locking link assembly via a drive pinion.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: WEBASTO SEInventor: Franz Haberl
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Patent number: 11267324Abstract: A vehicle comprising: an occupant cabin; a retractable roof configured to move between a deployed configuration where the roof covers the occupant cabin and a retracted configuration; a housing configured to house the retractable roof when the roof is in the retracted configuration; and a moveable cover configured to close the housing, the moveable cover comprising: a cover body; and two fins each extending from the cover body, the fins being located on either side of a longitudinal centreline of the vehicle, and the fins each comprising a channel running through the fin from a first side of the fin facing away from the longitudinal centreline to a second side of the fin facing towards the longitudinal centreline.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: McLaren Automotive LimitedInventor: Andrew Kay
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Patent number: 10328779Abstract: A top of a convertible vehicle includes a top linkage. A linkage mechanism forming part of the top linkage is on each of two opposing sides of the top linkage with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top. Each linkage mechanism includes a main multi joint mechanism pivotably mounted on a vehicle-fixed main bearing, a middle roof link, a forward roof link pivotably connected to the middle roof link, and a rear roof link pivotably connected to the middle roof link. The forward roof link and the rear roof link are pivotable together in relation to the middle roof link by a coupling rod, and the main multi joint mechanism is driven by a main drive. The forward roof link and the rear roof link are driven by the main drive via a coupling device so as to pivot in relation to the middle roof link.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: WEBASTO-EDSCHA CABRIO GMBHInventors: Heinrich Wüllrich, Magnus Sviberg
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Patent number: 10155433Abstract: The present disclosure provides a backlift type vehicle door provided at a vehicle body rear portion including: an outer panel that is curved such that a vehicle width direction middle portion is disposed further toward a vehicle outer side than two vehicle width direction end portions; a lamp fitting recess portion, formed by the outer panel being recessed, into which a rear lamp is to be fitted, and in which plural connection portions at which the rear lamp is to be connected are formed in a floor wall of the lamp fitting recess portion; and a water-retaining recess portion, formed in the floor wall at a vehicle width direction outer side relative to a connection portion that is disposed furthest to the vehicle width direction outer side, and is recessed further toward the vehicle inner side than the connection portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2017Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yoshiyuki Adachi
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Patent number: 9517684Abstract: A foldable roof assembly having a soft panel top assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The soft panel top assembly has a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a lightweight pivotal portion that folds back to provide the occupant a quick and easy open air effect. Two door rails of the soft panel top assembly are connected to the vehicle. Two side bows are attached to a first bow member, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at a pivot point created with a bracket attached to the door rails to allow the pivotal portion to pivot to an open position. The soft panel top assembly includes a rear header that is a wireframe and engages with seals in the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2015Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: William Henry Haberkamp, George Stickles, Duane Charles Junkin
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Patent number: 9511655Abstract: Specific elements of the Urb&GO ecosystem include a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that is convertible between a driveable mode and a stowable mode where the height of the roof area of the vehicle is lowered when the vehicle is stowed. The stowable mode reduces the volume of the BEV allowing for the storage of more vehicles per cubic feet of storage or parking space. The infrastructure for the BEV includes various configurations for charging and storage facilities. The charging facilities may include wind turbines; solar polar of other renewable power. The proposed Urb&GO concept reduces traffic and congestion and eliminates exhaust fumes reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The “Park & Ride” idea can be used to allow people to use Urb&GO Vehicles to commute to the city. Customer and public ownership and leasing study options are possible with this concept.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2012Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: CLARKSON UNIVERSITYInventors: Piergiovani Marzocca, Giorgio Gavitaghi
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Patent number: 9139073Abstract: A foldable roof assembly having a soft panel top assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The soft panel top assembly has a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a lightweight pivotal portion that folds back to provide the occupant a quick and easy open air effect. Two door rails of the soft panel top assembly are connected to the vehicle. Two side bows are attached to a first bow member, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at a pivot point created with a bracket attached to the door rails to allow the pivotal portion to pivot to an open position. The soft panel top assembly includes a rear header that is a wireframe and engages with seals in the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2014Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: William Henry Haberkamp, George Stickles, Duane Charles Junkin
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Publication number: 20150145278Abstract: FIELD: transport SUBSTANCE: invention relates to automotive industry, namely, to cars with convertible roofs. Roof front and rear sections 1, 2 are hinged together. Proposed device comprises main moving support with roof drive, leverage drive mounted at said min support, system of articulated levers and hinged to said front and rear sections and leverage drive stem, as well as drive of said main moving support and drive of moving support inclination. Appropriate pendulum supports of said drives are secured at fixed points 1 of car body. Roof rear section is provided with tooth element, for example, gear wheel fragment interacting with roof drive. Leverage is articulated with drive stem. Said drives comprises screw pairs, twin guides and motors with reduction gear to transmit rotation to screw shafts. EFFECT: compact design in as-assembled state, increased trunk payload volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventor: Dmitrij Viktorovich Bykov
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Publication number: 20150076855Abstract: A two part electronically actuated moveable and removable rigid covering of the passenger compartment of a motorized vehicle which is split longitudinally, has a left and right surface, capable of independently assuming a plurality of positions relative to the body of the vehicle. This covering pivots laterally near the rear edge behind the occupant(s) riding position with the forward edge opening, closing and locking. It is designed in such a manor as to permit its entire assembly or parts of its subassembly to be readily physically disassociated from the body of the motorized vehicle. It is fabricated from advanced composite materials or polycarbonate which is formed or molded to the desired shape. Movement of each covering is provided by an electrical linear actuator which, through mechanical linkage, provides locking or unlocking and rotational movement of the covering surface in one linear actuator motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventor: Kurt Paul Vogt
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Publication number: 20140292019Abstract: A car having: a passenger compartment, a frame provided with two external vertical posts, which project from the belt line of the car, are arranged facing each other on opposite sides of the car, and form a rear delimitation of the passenger compartment; an openable rigid sun roof provided with two rigid roof members; a baggage compartment arranged in the rear position to contain the openable rigid sun roof when the roof is arranged in an open position; a mobile cover to close the baggage compartment; a rear window which is arranged between the two external vertical posts and is slidably mounted; and a pair of lateral glasses which project from the belt line of the car, are arranged facing each other on opposite sides of the car, lay at the back against the corresponding external vertical posts, and constitute a lateral delimitation of the passenger compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventor: Riccardo Ugolini
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Patent number: 8567845Abstract: A car having: a frame provided with two external vertical posts, which are arranged facing each other on opposite sides of the car, and two internal vertical posts, which are arranged between the two external vertical posts and at a given distance from the external vertical posts; a passenger compartment; a sun roof, which is supported by the frame and can be set in an open position or a closed position with respect to the passenger compartment; a housing for containing the sun roof when the sun roof itself is set in the open position; a movable cover for closing the housing; and a rear window, which is mounted in a sliding manner so as to move between an extracted position, in which the rear window projects from the car body, and a withdrawn position, in which the rear window is housed inside the car body.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventor: Riccardo Ugolini
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Patent number: 8540303Abstract: A cabriolet top (8) for a cabriolet (1) has a roof (10) which, in a closed position (ST) of the cabriolet top, upwardly bounds a vehicle interior (9) and, for an open position of the cabriolet (1), is movable into a storage position (AS) in a storage space (21). The roof (10) has a main roof part (11) and closing roof parts (12, 13) which, in the closed position (ST), form a continuous roof surface. The main roof part (11) has at least one open-edged cutout (24, 25) that is closed by the closing roof part (12, 13) in the closed position (ST). However, the closing roof part (12, 13) is displaced relative to the main roof part (11) and opens the cutout (24, 25) in the storage position (AS).Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hanno Weber, Mathias Froschle
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Patent number: 8459719Abstract: A roof construction for a motor vehicle has a roll bar and a roof element which, in a closed position, is accommodated between the roll bar and a windshield and, in an open position, is accommodated behind the roll bar and can be shifted from the open position into the closed position and vice versa beyond the roll bar via an opening and closing mechanism. The roof constructing further has a covering which covers the roll bar on the outside in the open position of the roof element and in the closed position of the roof element. Vertical extending side parts of the covering can be shifted relative to the roll bar during the shifting of the roof element. A transverse part of the covering extends substantially in a horizontal direction and is fastened to the roll bar so as not to be able to be shifted relative thereto.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, Magna Car Top Systems GmbHInventors: Markus Schulzki, Kurt Pfertner, Gernot Bruder, Metodi Kostadinov, Christian Soergel
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Publication number: 20130038084Abstract: The convertible top assembly includes a front panel member and a rear panel member. The convertible top assembly also includes a main pivot bracket attached to the vehicle. The main pivot bracket includes a forwardly located arm pivotally connected to a rear edge of the front panel member and a rearwardly located arm pivotally attached to a rear edge of the rear panel member, such that an inner surface of the front panel member is adjacent an outer surface of the rear panel member when the convertible top is in a retracted position. To retract the convertible top, the deck lid pivots on a rearward edge along a first pivot axis while a rear edge of the rear panel pivots upwardly about a third pivot axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2010Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.Inventor: Markus Scholten
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Publication number: 20130033063Abstract: A car having: a frame provided with two external vertical posts, which are arranged facing each other on opposite sides of the car, and two internal vertical posts, which are arranged between the two external vertical posts and at a given distance from the external vertical posts; a passenger compartment; a sun roof, which is supported by the frame and can be set in an open position or a closed position with respect to the passenger compartment; a housing for containing the sun roof when the sun roof itself is set in the open position; a movable cover for closing the housing; and a rear window, which is mounted in a sliding manner so as to move between an extracted position, in which the rear window projects from the car body, and a withdrawn position, in which the rear window is housed inside the car body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventor: Riccardo Ugolini
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Patent number: 8366174Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a movable top with a sunroof part that is movable with respect to the surrounding top region. The sunroof part has a closed position and an open position, as well as an interference-preventing position and an intermediate position. The top is movable from the top closed position with the sunroof part in the closed position and the top is movable from the top closed position with the sunroof part in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Holger Hilbk
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Patent number: 8287028Abstract: A roof structure for a cabriolet vehicle has a top (10) with a top material and a substantially U-shaped corner bow (19) that extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction at a position substantially adjacent to a rear window. The corner bow (19) has lateral limbs (20) with free lower ends (21). Molded elements (23) are plugged onto the free lower ends (21) of the lateral limbs (20) of the corner bow (19) and can be plugged into recesses near the B pillars of a body structure of the cabriolet vehicle. The molded elements (23) are configured to guide the top material of the top (10) in sections in a closed state of the top (10). Sealing elements (27) are mounted on the molded elements (23) and interact with vertically running edges of side window panes.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Claus Baumgart, Tobias Korluss, Stefan Pozsgai, Stefan Eichholz
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Patent number: 8205929Abstract: A car including a frame, a passenger compartment, a sun roof supported by the frame that can be set to an open position or a closed position with respect to the passenger compartment, a housing for housing the sun roof when the sun roof is in the open position, and a movable cover for closing the housing. The sun roof includes two rigid roof members which, when the sun roof is in the closed position, are substantially horizontal, substantially coplanar, and positioned seamlessly one behind the other, and, when the sun roof is in the open position, are packed one on top of the other inside the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventors: Riccardo Ugolini, Roberto Conconi
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Patent number: 8167355Abstract: The invention relates to a device (9) for locking a retractable roof of a motor vehicle (2), comprising: a strike (11) fixed to a lateral roof element (7a, 7b); a locking finger (12) pivotally mounted on a support (13) fixed to the front roof element (3) between an unlocked position and a locked position in which said finger (12) exerts on the strike (11) a force along a substantially vertical axis Z so as to press the lateral roof element (7a, 7b) towards its covering position in which it bears on the central element (6) and/or on the front element (3). The invention also relates to a locking system, a retractable roof and a vehicle equipped with such a device.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Heuliez SASInventor: David Guetet
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Patent number: 8162378Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a roof, comprising a moving flexible roof region, provided with a cover, embodied such that the roof comprises a further roof region separate from the flexible region and divided into rigid roof sections, whereby in the fully open roof position the flexible roof region lies below a rigid roof section extending over the same in the form of a cover.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Nils Kreiling
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Patent number: 8152217Abstract: A roof operating device includes a roof member operated so as to be extended from and stored in vehicle body, a lid operated to be opened and closed when the roof member is operated, an operation switch, actuators driving the roof member and the lid, a first and second closer mechanisms provided at first and second portions and operated for moving the lid so as to be in a fully closed state, and each of the first and second closer mechanisms including a striker, a latch and a half latched state detection portion for detecting a half latched state between the latch and the striker, wherein after the half latched state detection portions detect the half latched state, and the operation switch is continuously operated, the first and second closer mechanisms are synchronously operated in order to move the lid so as to be in a fully closed state.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tsutomu Tanoi
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Patent number: 8079630Abstract: An assembly includes a roof part kinematic system having front and rear connecting rods. Each connecting rod is pivotally connected to a roof part and is pivotally connectable to a vehicle body such that the roof part kinematic system can move the roof part between end positions. The assembly further includes a spring-loaded kinematic system having a spring, a coupling rod, and a triangular-shaped spring lever. The spring is connected to the front connecting rod and is connected to the first spring lever corner, the coupling rod is connected to the rear connecting rod and is connected to the second spring lever corner, and the third spring lever corner is pivotally connectable to the vehicle body such that the spring produces a torque on the connecting rods to move the roof part away from either end position when the roof part is in that end position.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbHInventors: Gernot Bruder, Marcus Papendorf
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Patent number: 8052197Abstract: A cabriolet vehicle has a body structure and a roof structure that can be attached to the body structure (14). The roof structure has a top with a top material. The top material has a main section, which forms the actual roof of the roof structure in the closed state of the top and lateral rear elongation sections. The elongation sections can be threaded into openings (15) of the body structure (14) and attached to tensioning brackets (19) of the body structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Bernd Kasperowski, Wolfgang Ramin, Grant Larson, Stefan Eichholz
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Patent number: 8042424Abstract: Reducing number of components in a case where a plurality of locking mechanism is being used.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Webasto AGInventors: Koji Sawahata, Shinya Matsui, Takashi Motohashi, Takuya Izumi
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Patent number: 8002327Abstract: A motor vehicle (5) has a roof structure including a front roof member (6) and a rear member (4) which together form a cover for a passenger compartment (I) of the motor vehicle (5) when both of the roof members (4, 6) are in respective raised positions. When both of the roof members (4, 6) are lowered into stowed positions to form a convertible vehicle, a flap (7, 107) is deployed on each side of the motor vehicle (5) to bridge a gap between the stowed front roof member (6) and an upper edge of an outer rear panel (9).Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Alan Richard Condon, John K Harding, Torsten Gerhardt
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Patent number: 7980620Abstract: A hardtop folding roof for an open motor vehicle includes an upper roof part and a rear roof part having a rear window. The roof parts can be transferred from a closed position into a storage position via respective lateral link mechanisms. Each link mechanism includes two main links. A first main link is assigned to an associated roof pillar of the rear roof part, and a second main link is coupled at least indirectly to the upper roof part at a distance in front of the associated first main link. A rear window holder of the rear window can be moved relative to the roof pillars during the transfer of the folding roof, and the second main links of each link mechanism are assigned to the rear window holder of the rear window.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Daimler AGInventor: Michael Koch
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Patent number: 7959207Abstract: A retractable hardtop assembly is provided for a vehicle. A retractable hardtop assembly includes a front section that is connected by a linkage to a vehicle and a rearward portion that is connected by a separate linkage to a decklid of the vehicle. A package shelf/tonneau is secured by a linkage to the back section of the linkage. The package shelf/tonneau is moved from a package/shelf position below the rearward portion of the roof to a tonneau position above the retractable roof when the retractable roof is disposed in the storage compartment. The package shelf/tonneau is moved between the front portion of the roof and rearward portion of the roof during the extension and retraction cycles. The package shelf/tonneau may be rotated 360° as it is moved between the package shelf and tonneau positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbHInventors: Michael T. Willard, Jan Just
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Patent number: 7934765Abstract: A top for a convertible, which has a rear window frame with a rear window and, in the closed state, at least one roof section situated in front of the rear window frame in the direction of travel. When there are two roof sections which are adjacent to each other when the top is closed, a respective extension, which is extended to the rear or front, is formed on the lateral border regions of one of the roof sections. The extension being configured as a seal carrier.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Felix Hermann, Dominik Beierl, Lars Schulz
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Publication number: 20110095575Abstract: A roof member comprises a front roof and a rear roof which are connected to each other, at least one of which is made of a board-shaped hard roof member. A grip (i.e., an operational member) to be gripped by a passenger is provided at a specified position of the front roof so as to transmit an opening-operational force or closing-operation force by the passenger to the roof member. A guide shaft (i.e., a moving mechanism) is provided to position the grip such that the grip is movable relatively to the roof member. Accordingly, a movable roof structure of a vehicle which can properly improve the operation and handling and decrease the operational force with a simple and light mechanism can be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Satoru HASHIMOTO, Yukio NAKAMURA, Shigeyuki MORI, Isao TODA
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Patent number: 7922233Abstract: A sliding roof for a convertible vehicle may include front, middle, and rear roofs, guide rails for sliding the front, middle, and rear roofs, and lift links for lifting the front and rear roofs such that the guide rail of the middle roof slides toward the guide rail of the rear roof and packaged adjacent to the rear of the vehicle. The sliding roof may include a latch which fixes a side pillar of the front roof to a windshield frame during operation of a sunroof and fixes the side pillar to the sunroof during packaging of the roof, thus ensuring the space of a rear seat of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kookmin University Industry-Academy Cooperation FoundationInventors: Tae Wan Park, Chang Wook Park, Seung Jin Heo, Jay Il Jeong, Il Hwan Kim, Jong Hoon Lee, In Sik Hwang
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Patent number: 7909385Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible vehicle (1) provided with a roof (2) which comprises at least one rigid rear part (3) provided with a rear screen (4) and displaceable, independent of a roof area (5) which is arranged therebefore, in the direction of travel (F). The inventive convertible vehicle is characterized in that the roof area (5) arranged before the rear part (3) in the direction of travel (F) comprises at least two parts of the roof (6, 7) which are arranged in tandem when the roof is closed, displaceable at least partially on each other in order to be opened and can be stored is said connected position in the body (8).Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Klaus Russke
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Patent number: 7896423Abstract: A top for a vehicle that has a stationary support disposed between removable panels forward of the support and a multiple section retractable hardtop rearward of the support. The detachable roof panels are provided in front of the stationary support and extend across the vehicle laterally and to the windshield header when installed. A two piece retractable hardtop is provided rearward of the stationary support that has a back light that is disposed to cover a back light opening in an extended position and is detached from the back light opening in a retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbHInventors: Robert D. Wiechowski, Robert E. Fallis, III, Michael T. Willard
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Patent number: 7896424Abstract: A folding top for a cabriolet vehicle is provided, that includes a first roof part which is embodied as a rigid shell element, a second roof part which is embodied as a rigid shell element, and a forced control unit. The first roof part and the second roof part are pivotable relative to a body of the vehicle, are driven by a common force-introducing unit, and are movable by the forced control unit. The forced control unit includes a mechanical control device, by which movement of the second roof part can be delayed from movement of the first roof part.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbHInventor: Klaus Obendiek
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Patent number: 7883138Abstract: A convertible includes an automobile body and a movable roof having at least a rear roof part and an upper roof part, wherein the rear roof part extends at least between a belt line and the upper roof part. The upper roof part is located above a passenger compartment and in front of the rear roof part. The rear roof part has a middle section that encloses a rear window and is located between lateral main posts of the automobile body when the roof is closed. The main posts and the middle section are each rotationally connected with the automobile body and with the upper roof part by joints which form a multijoint linkage whose axis of rotation lie in a common plane in at least one movement position of the roof, so that at least one additional support of the upper roof part located in front of the rear roof part is provided for supporting the upper roof part with respect to the automobile body, wherein the additional support is active in the at least one movement position of the roof.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Klaus Russke
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Patent number: 7866726Abstract: A convertible top assembly for a motor vehicle includes a rear panel, a front panel and a pair of outer side panels. The front panel is movably coupled to the rear panel and movable relative to the rear panel between an extended position extending between the rear panel and a windshield header of the vehicle and a retracted position stacked with the rear panel. The outer side panels are movably coupled to the rear panel for movement between a use position extending outwardly from opposite sides of the rear panel and a stowed position disposed inwardly from the use position. The convertible top assembly further includes a linkage operatively connecting the front panel and outer side panels so as to cause movement of the outer side panels between the use position and the stowed position in response to movement of the front panel between the extended position and the retracted position, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Frank Neubrand
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Patent number: 7845704Abstract: A retractable vehicle hardtop has a predominantly transparent top roof panel and a predominantly transparent combined back light/sail panel. The panels are attached to a top stack linkage that is used to retract and extend the hardtop. The top roof panel and combined back light/sail panel each feature a smooth, continuous two-part retractable hardtop that provides panoramic overhead views both when retracted and when extended. A frame is assembled to opaque peripheral portions of the top roof panel. Reinforcement bars are assembled to opaque portions of the combined back light/sail panel. A method of making the retractable hardtop.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Magna Car Top SystemsInventors: Jan Just, Robert E. Fallis, III
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Patent number: 7837250Abstract: To reliably prevent lifting of a roof panel when the roof panel is fully closed. To provide a roof panel (12) to a vehicle body (1) capable of opening/closing a vehicle cabin space (11), a link mechanism (3) for supporting the roof panel (12) at the vehicle body (1) having a front connecting link (33) rotatably connected to both of the vehicle body (1) and the roof panel (12), and a rear connecting link (34) rotatably connected to both of the vehicle body (1) and the roof panel (12) at rear side of a vehicle relative to front connecting link (33), and link restricting mechanism (500) for restricting the rear connecting link (34) to the vehicle body (1) when the roof panel (12) is in fully closed state over the vehicle cabin space (11).Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Webasto AGInventors: Shinya Matsui, Koji Sawahata, Kozo Odoi
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Patent number: 7815240Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided having front and rear roof panels and which can be moved from in use to stowed positions to change the style of the motor vehicle from a two box style to a convertible or pick-up style. A stowage mechanism for the rear roof panel having two interlinked four bar linkages is disclosed which allows a small linear actuator to produce the range of displacement required to stow the rear roof panel.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alan Richard Condon, Torsten Gerhardt, John K. Harding
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Publication number: 20100237651Abstract: A cabriolet top (8) for a cabriolet (1) has a roof (10) which, in a closed position (ST) of the cabriolet top, upwardly bounds a vehicle interior (9) and, for an open position of the cabriolet (1), is movable into a storage position (AS) in a storage space (21). The roof (10) has a main roof part (11) and closing roof parts (12, 13) which, in the closed position (ST), form a continuous roof surface. The main roof part (11) has at least one open-edged cutout (24, 25) that is closed by the closing roof part (12, 13) in the closed position (ST). However, the closing roof part (12, 13) is displaced relative to the main roof part (11) and opens the cutout (24, 25) in the storage position (AS).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Hanno Weber, Mathias Froschle
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Patent number: 7784849Abstract: A convertible vehicle with at least two successive roof sections that are separated on their exterior surface at a groove when the roof is closed, with a rear roof section being displaceable rearwards and downwards for the opening of the roof and a roof section arranged in front of it being movable towards the rear roof section. The rear roof section, being divided into a central section and externally located frame parts, is designed in such a way that the forward roof section is supported by the central section and the frame parts are appended in the groove area and can be lifted during the opening of the roof from a common plane with the central section in such a way that the frame parts are dislocated rearwards and, at least in parts, downward opposite the central section when the roof is open.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Manfred Westermann, Jürgen Theuerkauf
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Patent number: 7780218Abstract: A locking device (10) for locking a convertible top (18) in its opened position comprises a catch element (14) and an opposing element (16) bringable into engagement therewith for locking, wherein the catch element or the opposing element is attached on the convertible top (18) and the other element of the catch element and the opposing element is borne on a vehicle body side. One element (14, 16) is displaceably borne in a retainer (20) and is biased in a locking direction by a biasing device (22). The retainer (20) is movable together with the biasing device (22) and with the element (14) borne in the retainer as a function of the movement of the convertible top (18) into an active position and into an idle position. In the active position, an engagement between the catch element and the opposing element is possible, which is excluded in the idle position.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Norbert Habacker
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Patent number: 7766412Abstract: A movable vehicle roof has a plurality of segments which are movable relative to one another, in particular are displaceable and/or pivotable, and of which at least one has a core containing a filling structure forming cavities. The filling structure core is provided with a retaining part which engages around it in some regions at least on one side and, together with lateral elements disposed on it as a single piece, forms at least one intersecting point with the top framework.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AGInventors: Dominik Beierl, Thiemo Adolf Erb
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Patent number: 7762611Abstract: An assembly includes a roof having front and rear roof parts, a motion system, and a coupling rod. The motion system includes front and rear guide rods, a spring, and a guide rod mechanism to move the roof between closed and opened positions. The front guide rod is fixed to the front roof part and is pivotably supportable on a bearing. The rear guide rod is fixed to the rear roof part and is pivotably supportable on a bearing. The coupling rod is articulately connected to the front guide rod and to the rear roof part. The spring is articulately connected to the front guide rod and to the guide rod mechanism which is articulately connected to the rear guide rod such that the spring is biased to open the roof when the roof is closed and is biased to close the roof when the roof is opened.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbHInventors: Marcus Papendorf, Gernot Bruder
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Patent number: 7758093Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a vehicle body with a passenger compartment, a convertible roof receiving space, and a baggage space defined therein. A convertible roof has a rear part with a rear window. The convertible roof has a closed position wherein it extends over the passenger compartment and an open position wherein the convertible roof is at least partially received in the roof receiving space. A tailgate at least partially covers the baggage space and has an open position and a closed position. The tailgate is movable to the open position to define a loading opening for baggage. The rear window is automatically pivoted upwardly to provide an additional loading opening for baggage when the roof is in the closed position and the tailgate is moved to the open position to provide the loading opening for baggage.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Thomas Tobergte, Markus Grave
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Patent number: 7758101Abstract: A roof structure (20) for an openable, rigid motor vehicle roof comprises a forward roof part (22), forward roof frame parts (24) laterally adjoining the forward roof part (22), a rearward roof part (26) and rearward roof frame parts (28) laterally adjoining the rearward roof part (26), wherein the forward and rearward roof frame parts (24, 28) are pivotable relative to each other about an axis extending perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal plane and are storable in a position, in which their inner sides are oriented towards each other, and the forward roof part (22) is pivotable relative to the forward roof frame parts (24) and the rearward roof part (26) is pivotable relative to the rearward roof frame parts (28) about respective axes that extend perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal plane.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Michael Schröder
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Patent number: 7758100Abstract: A retractable hardtop assembly is provided for a vehicle. A retractable hardtop assembly includes a front section that is connected by a linkage to a vehicle and a rearward portion that is connected by a separate linkage to a decklid of the vehicle. A package shelf/tonneau is secured by a linkage to the back section of the linkage. The package shelf/tonneau is moved from a package/shelf position below the rearward portion of the roof to a tonneau position above the retractable roof when the retractable roof is disposed in the storage compartment. The package shelf/tonneau is moved between the front portion of the roof and rearward portion of the roof during the extension and retraction cycles. The package shelf/tonneau may be rotated 360° as it is moved between the package shelf and tonneau positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbHInventors: Michael T. Willard, Jan Just
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Patent number: 7744145Abstract: A retractable roof assembly (53) is provided for a motor vehicle (10) having a rear seat (24) and spaced apart roof side frame members (30) defining a roof opening (31). The retractable roof assembly (53) includes a split rail assembly (33) having a fixed rail (34) adapted to be fixedly secured to each of the roof side frame members (30) and extending along a portion thereof, and a movable rail (40) extending rearward of the fixed rail (34) along a remaining portion of each of the roof side frame members (30). A plurality of roof panels (58, 60, 62) extends between the roof side frame members (30) and slidably engages the split rail assembly (33) for selective movement into a stacked configuration above the movable rail (40).Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Mooney, Troy Donavan Allan, Robert Boyer Dickie, Douglas Chester Carson, David Lawrence Newkirk, John E. Long
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Patent number: 7722103Abstract: A cabriolet motor vehicle is provided, which comprises a roof constructed from at least two roof segments, which may be brought into an open position, rear roof columns stiffened by an upper roof cross member (“Targa part”), and a rollbar (“Targa bar”) situated in the area between a front frame and the Targa part, and is distinguished in that the at least two roof segments are stackable using a movement mechanism into a roof segment stack situated between the Targa bar and the target part, and the roof segment stack is pivotable into the passenger compartment using at least one connecting rod attached to the upper roof cross member of the Targa part.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Klaus Brandel, Frank Leopold
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Patent number: 7712817Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a movable roof with a rearward roof part closed divided into a middle region including a rear window and two lateral outer regions. The middle region is upwardly displaceable with respect to the outer regions during the opening of the roof. The movable roof is configured such that the top end of the middle region is connected to the forward roof part, which is held above the rearward roof part when the roof is open. The lower region of the middle region is connected to a movement linkage to move this region upwardly relative to the outer regions during the opening of the roof.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Wilheim Karmann GmbHInventor: Stefan Meinert